Born and raised in Fort Worth, I am amazed and delighted to see all the latest developments in our city. I remember the bumper stickers from the 70’s that proclaimed, “Fort Worth I Love You.” And I can easily recall the Great Recession of the 80’s that tempered my career. Today, I’m so proud to be a part of our Cowtown heritage, and the way we’re preserving our history while creating terrific additions.
Our Town
First things first, I have worked in downtown Fort Worth for 39 years. Haltom’s moved into the Knights of Pythias in November 1988, and we’ve had decades of fun working in the growing urban lifestyle that is Sundance Square.
There’s no doubt we’re a full generation ahead of so many American cities with our vital downtown. According to the latest US census, Fort Worth is now the 13th largest city, and our planned growth puts us on track to be 12th next year.
We will host ESPN Gameday in the Plaza this Saturday, and we eagerly await the openings of two new downtown hotels and three new high rise luxury living towers. I can hardly wait to see the beautiful Sinclair building remodeled as a Marriott Autograph hotel. New buildings may change our skyline a bit, but the annual Stock Show Parade will keep us tied to our roots.
New Entertainment
There’s lots of excitement about the new Dickie’s Arena opening this fall and there should be! A great new arena for the FWSSR plus a wonderful venue for concerts and sports is a welcome addition. Also worth watching for:
*Mule Alley and the Drover Hotel - highlights of the Stockyards master-planned development opening in 2020. The party barn at the Drover looks like a new hotspot for Texas-style events.
*Will Rogers Memorial Pioneer Tower - the Tower will get a facelift to shine toward the new Dickie’s Arena.
Culture
Amon Carter - closed this summer for renovations and will re-open in September with new galleries and exhibits.
TCU and UNTHSC – these two joined forces to form a new school of medicine, and the first classes have begun.
Tarleton - now a part of the Texas A&M system, broke ground along the Chisholm Trail Parkway and opened a new university.
Business and Sports
All you have to do is drive around Tarrant County to see and experience all the latest developments, including:
*Texas Live! - a new entertainment district within walking distance from ATT Stadium and Globe Life Field is a great place for a burger and a ballgame with lots of big screens and indoor/outdoor areas.
*Globe Life Field - will be the new home of the Texas Rangers on opening day next spring and the old Park will be remodeled for XFL football.
*Entrada – a luxury development in Westlake
*Grapevine Main – a new mixed-use development including the Grapevine train station, new hotel and garage plus large outdoor plaza
*Charles Schwab – new campus in northeast Tarrant County
*Front 44 – the latest project on Circle T Ranch land
*Walsh Ranch – continues to grow the far west side of Fort Worth
*White Settlement – the river district revitalizes a valuable location in the heart of our city with single and multi-family homes, offices, and some great new restaurants. This is the original home of the Lightcrust Dough Boys when they played Crystal Springs!
Every month I read something new about the city of Fort Worth, Mayor Betsy Price, and many community business leaders who work to move US corporations to our city. They too will be able to take advantage of our diverse community, booming economy and easy lifestyle.
Travel
If you haven’t ridden TexRail, the new electric Stadler train cars from downtown to Grapevine, try to do it this weekend. Train travel is the future of Texas and we’re ahead of the game with the TexRail system here in Tarrant County.
Terminal 6 at DFW International Airport – American Airlines closed a deal with DFW to build a sixth terminal, enlarging one of the busiest airports in the world.
Wow, I’ve tried to list only the NEW additions in Fort Worth and parts of Tarrant County! We will save a list of our existing classics for another time. Fort Worth, We Love You!
